I have already worked half of my weekend and dedicated long hours to the beginning of this work week, yet I haven't touched the surface.

Why is it that when you really are passionate about everything you do in life, something anchors you down? In my life, it's time.

I always say, time is the most important thing you can get from someone in your life. If you have their time, there is nothing else you will need. But getting time is harder than you think. With running an international business, having my fingers in quite a few different business pies, dedicating time to charity, trying to get a little bit of training in and developing technology - writing books and painting has definitely been put to the way-side.

]]>msmith@marketingeye.com (Mellissah Smith)LifeWed, 11 Jun 2014 02:24:36 +0000Why patience is a virtue - how to implement more patience in lifehttp://marketingeye.org/life/why-patience-is-a-virtue-how-to-implement-more-patience-in-life.html
http://marketingeye.org/life/why-patience-is-a-virtue-how-to-implement-more-patience-in-life.htmlSomething was brought to my attention yesterday by two people; I am not patient. I want everything there and then, and in that lies what is possibly one of my biggest failures.

I admire people who 'wait it out' and watch, carefully understanding a situation in its entirety before making a decision. Having patience often means that you have the choice of a small reward in the short-term, or a more valuable reward in the long-term, with human nature being that most of us prefer a short-term reward over a long-term reward, despite the latter reaping greater benefits.]]>msmith@marketingeye.com (Mellissah Smith)LifeWed, 11 Jun 2014 01:43:40 +0000Are you stressed out?http://marketingeye.org/health/are-you-stressed-out.html
http://marketingeye.org/health/are-you-stressed-out.htmlStress is common, yet it is seldom given the recognition that it deserves. Research has proven that 70 per cent of stress injury claims were directly caused by workplace relations. Often people do not even realise that they are stressed, as the signs vary amongst individuals and can be difficult to determine.

Are you out of emotional balance? If you are experiencing a period of change in your life, or feeling under pressure, listen to your body to determine if there are any irregularities that you have noticed.

Even if you acknowledge that you are stressed, you cannot mentally block it out. Your body is clever and it turns stress from an emotional reaction to a physical problem. To individuals, stress can be seen as a heightened state of emotion while, to doctors, it can be any combination of anxiety, mood changes and low energy levels. Therefore, it is important to seek a professional diagnosis and avoid the temptation to self-diagnose.

There are some key symptoms and behaviours that suggest you are out of emotional balance and may need to take treatment-focused steps.

Sleep problems are a clear sign of stress and chronic sleep deprivation is a serious health issue. Early morning wakening can be linked to depression, while the inability to fall asleep, is often linked to anxiety.

Stress and anxiety can also lead to changes in behaviour such as a loss of libido and greater reliance on alcohol or recreational drugs to lift moods and relax. In addition, an increase of risky behavior, including gambling, binge drinking and sexual promiscuity are signs of amplified stress levels. High levels of stress can deplete the immune system which increases the frequency of colds and flus, particularly during the colder months.

The first and most important step is to exclude high blood pressure. It is a common misconception that anxiety and stress can cause high blood pressure when the truth is, that high blood pressure (which is usually hereditary) can cause feelings of stress. If untreated, high blood pressure significantly increases risk of strokes and heart disease.

Type 2 diabetes is another ailment which may go undetected with symptoms that appear similar to stress, causing mood changes, irritability and tiredness.

While stress can be crippling, there are some simple measures that can be introduced to your daily routine to help to improve your sense of inner balance and cope with emotional stress. An increase in aerobic exercise (a minimum of 20 minutes of sustained exercise such as walking, biking or swimming) is the most potent and effective stress reliever. It provides the added benefits of lowering blood pressure, weight, glucose and cholesterol levels, as well as boosting natural endorphins. Activities such as meditation or yoga can relieve inner tensions, while also building overall strength, both mentally and physically.

Through improved sleep hygiene, the potential for a restful night significantly improves. Alcohol and recreational drug intake affects the quality of your sleep and may impact upon your emotional state.

Pressures from family, work and finances have the tendency to cause stress for us all. However it is the way in which you respond to stress that is important. The most critical step is to listen to your body and recognise that stress is a normal human reaction to life’s challenges and it is ok to ask for help. The best place to start is your local GP.

With medical knowledge spanning more than 30 years, Dr Michael Olenski specialises in preventative medicine and early disease diagnosis at Iris Medical. He has practiced as a general practitioner since 1984, taking on a preventative approach to medicine over the past 10 years. In addition to working in a medical practice, Dr Olenski has also previously hosted a national medical talkback program on Triple M in 1993, winning an award from the AIDS Council of Victoria for his interview with an AIDS patient. He is also currently the backstage doctor for international performing artists at Melbourne’s top venues including the MCG, Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Stadium, Etihad Stadium, Palais Theatre and Festival Hall.

This story originally appeared in the Dec 2012/Jan 2013 edition of Australian Business Solutions magazine.]]>info@marketingeye.com.au (Marketing Eye Magazine)HealthThu, 13 Dec 2012 06:08:50 +0000It’s time for a health checkhttp://marketingeye.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=161:it’s-time-for-a-health-check&catid=25&Itemid=445
http://marketingeye.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=161:it’s-time-for-a-health-check&catid=25&Itemid=445

Overworked corporate men don’t look after themselves as they should. Jonathan Jackson spoke with Dr Michael Olenski to find out what men should be doing to maintain their health.

It would seem that health takes a back seat to business. It’s not something that any man should be proud of; if anything, health should come before corporate takeovers, boardroom meetings and profit margins. Healthy life, healthy business, isn’t that how it goes? So the question is, if senior executives are responsible for the health of the companies they work in and every part of the organisation undergoes stringent analysis, checks and evaluation to ensure that it is working at its optimum performance level, why are men not paying the same attention to your health?

Dr Michael Olenski has dedicated his practice to helping men understand the importance of regular health checks.]]>

msmith@marketingeye.com (Mellissah Smith)HealthTue, 04 Dec 2012 02:07:08 +0000Work Life Balancehttp://marketingeye.org/health/work-life-balance.html
http://marketingeye.org/health/work-life-balance.htmlAs I type this article, attempting to balance my laptop on my knees while waiting for my next client, my mind wanders to one of those times in my life when I was happiest. I remember feeling that I had everything I needed and valued in my life. Could this be that often-elusive element, ‘balance’ that I recall?

Stress is the second most common cause of workplace compensation claims in Australia, after manual handling*. Do you crave more harmony in your daily life? Despite what you may think, your body knows if you are stressed, even though you may not realise it.]]>msmith@marketingeye.com (Mellissah Smith)HealthThu, 18 Oct 2012 00:11:06 +0000Make Hay While The Sun Shineshttp://marketingeye.org/health/make-hay-while-the-sun-shines.html
http://marketingeye.org/health/make-hay-while-the-sun-shines.htmlOpportunities don't come past your desk everyday. Sometimes you have to work so hard to find an opportunity that when one lands on your lap, you don't really know what to do with it or you forget what it actually looks like.

There are so many things we all can relate "Make hay while the sun shines" to. Here are some that I think you should consider;

If someone offers you a chance to hang out on their farm for the weekend - do it!]]>msmith@marketingeye.com (Mellissah Smith)HealthFri, 12 Oct 2012 04:35:40 +0000How small business owners can manage stresshttp://marketingeye.org/health/how-small-business-owners-can-manage-stress.html
http://marketingeye.org/health/how-small-business-owners-can-manage-stress.htmlNo matter who you are, at times, as a small business owner, you will get stressed.

It's how you deal with it that counts.

Which has me thinking. I am what I affectionately call a "stress pet". Someone, who stresses a lot. If not daily, bi-daily. I find things to stress about that sometimes deserve my attention, and then others that certainly don't.]]>msmith@marketingeye.com (Mellissah Smith)HealthFri, 12 Oct 2012 04:44:50 +0000Business Turnaround Specialist Is Just What The Doctor Orderedhttp://marketingeye.org/finance/business-turnaround-specialist-is-just-what-the-doctor-ordered.html
http://marketingeye.org/finance/business-turnaround-specialist-is-just-what-the-doctor-ordered.htmlBusiness Turnaround Specialist Is Just What The Doctor OrderedIt may appear on the outset that Marketing Eye doesn't need a business turnaround specialist, and to some degree we don't. We make money, we continue to grow and enter new markets and we provide a service that small business owners need.]]>msmith@marketingeye.com (Mellissah Smith)FinanceWed, 31 Oct 2012 00:48:17 +0000Taking stock of your wealthhttp://marketingeye.org/finance/taking-stock-of-your-wealth.html
http://marketingeye.org/finance/taking-stock-of-your-wealth.htmlA holistic approach to financial management is the best way to wealth creation and it is that approach that has made ABS Morgans so successful. Jonathan Jackson speaks with senior investment advisor Michael Mansfield about football, wealth strategy, asset allocation and surviving the GFC.

It was a family holiday that peaked Michael Mansfield’s interest in finance and broking.

“My father took the whole family to the US for four weeks. It was a significant moment for me, going to America and Disneyland, and I remember talking to dad about it and him saying the holiday was based on some investments he made in gold and the share market. So, that interest in finance was always there.”]]>msmith@marketingeye.com (Mellissah Smith)FinanceThu, 18 Oct 2012 03:16:13 +0000What makes me #happyhttp://marketingeye.org/thoughts-on-life/what-makes-me-happy.html
http://marketingeye.org/thoughts-on-life/what-makes-me-happy.html]]>msmith@marketingeye.com (Mellissah Smith)Thoughts On LifeThu, 21 Mar 2013 03:35:14 +0000